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ddnreads's reviews
404 reviews
The Spirit Glass by Roshani Chokshi
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Things I love:
SASO!!!!!!
THE HOUSE!!!!
I always always admire Roshani Chokshi's way of stitching the words. She made them alive. It's funny, sassy, beautifully written and the concept with the spirit glass is good. The Filipino's folktale comes to life🫶🏽🫶🏽
Middle graders out there will love this!!!
SASO!!!!!!
THE HOUSE!!!!
I always always admire Roshani Chokshi's way of stitching the words. She made them alive. It's funny, sassy, beautifully written and the concept with the spirit glass is good. The Filipino's folktale comes to life🫶🏽🫶🏽
Middle graders out there will love this!!!
Penaka by Altami N.D.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
An easy 5 ⭐
PENAKA takes on the most unique perspectives on how to navigate a young marriage life. Building a family tears by tears.
But WHAT IF.... Something happened and you woke up as a...bottle water? This pinch of fantasy intrigued me so much and now I get all those well deserved hype!!!!
PENAKA is a roller coaster ride filled with self actualisation, sacrifices, and compromise. It's raw, sharp, and lovely. Salted with generational trauma, it revolved around how family works. It captured perfectly how frantic a mother's love is. How hard a father has to work. How parents were children once. The imperfection of it all matters.
A super fresh premise deliciously well executed. It made me clenched my teeth, giggling, blushing, and teary eyed. It played with my emotion. I LITERALLY COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. Modern and super relatable. I can picture them perfectly as the couple next door.
Seamlessly woven plot, super page turner, realistic flawed characters, Penaka is definitely my best read on September 💗💗💗 I LOVE IT!!!!
PENAKA takes on the most unique perspectives on how to navigate a young marriage life. Building a family tears by tears.
But WHAT IF.... Something happened and you woke up as a...bottle water? This pinch of fantasy intrigued me so much and now I get all those well deserved hype!!!!
PENAKA is a roller coaster ride filled with self actualisation, sacrifices, and compromise. It's raw, sharp, and lovely. Salted with generational trauma, it revolved around how family works. It captured perfectly how frantic a mother's love is. How hard a father has to work. How parents were children once. The imperfection of it all matters.
A super fresh premise deliciously well executed. It made me clenched my teeth, giggling, blushing, and teary eyed. It played with my emotion. I LITERALLY COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. Modern and super relatable. I can picture them perfectly as the couple next door.
Seamlessly woven plot, super page turner, realistic flawed characters, Penaka is definitely my best read on September 💗💗💗 I LOVE IT!!!!
Survival Takes a Wild Imagination by Fariha Róisín
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
2.5
This work is soooo unhinged (affectionate)
It captured the pain of generational trauma, of being a daughter, of living in a colonized country.
It revolved around self discovery journey, and nature.
It's rich in culture and felt personal.
Honestly, it's hard to finish this poetry book 😭😭😭
It's heavy for me~
Thanks for the arc!!!
It captured the pain of generational trauma, of being a daughter, of living in a colonized country.
It revolved around self discovery journey, and nature.
It's rich in culture and felt personal.
Honestly, it's hard to finish this poetry book 😭😭😭
It's heavy for me~
Thanks for the arc!!!
The Grimoire of Grave Fates by Margaret Owen, Hanna Alkaf
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
THIS IS GENIUS
I LOVE IT!!!!
Revolved around a murder mystery, The Grimoire of Grave Fates will take you into an extraordinary school called Galileo Academy. This an anthology of short stories woven seamlessly into one another, in which each author represents a student. It stiched the overall story perfectly as everyone of them pocketed one or two clues to solve the murder case. AND you would see as one or two of them is slipping past as a side figure.
The setting is super atmospheric. The magic and fantasy world is very very rich🥹✨✨✨
The stakes are quite high but all of them are definitely cool kids!!!
I love how effortlessly diverse this book is.
I've been reading lots of fantasy, and it makes me picky 😭😭
But this book is something new. I love feeling this excited over a new ya fantasy book 🥺🫶🏽 I like it so much
I LOVE IT!!!!
Revolved around a murder mystery, The Grimoire of Grave Fates will take you into an extraordinary school called Galileo Academy. This an anthology of short stories woven seamlessly into one another, in which each author represents a student. It stiched the overall story perfectly as everyone of them pocketed one or two clues to solve the murder case. AND you would see as one or two of them is slipping past as a side figure.
The setting is super atmospheric. The magic and fantasy world is very very rich🥹✨✨✨
The stakes are quite high but all of them are definitely cool kids!!!
I love how effortlessly diverse this book is.
I've been reading lots of fantasy, and it makes me picky 😭😭
But this book is something new. I love feeling this excited over a new ya fantasy book 🥺🫶🏽 I like it so much
Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
THIS IS THE MOST WHOLESOME COMING OF AGE STORY I'VE EVER READ 😭😭😭✨🫶🏽
I LOVE IT SO MUCH?!!!
In love with the story, the point of view, the art style!!!
It captured perfectly how moving from being a child to being a ✨teenager✨ is about.
It's everything. The clumsy, the TYPOS, the friendship.
Big giant LOVE I finished it in one sitting 💖💖💖
I LOVE IT SO MUCH?!!!
In love with the story, the point of view, the art style!!!
It captured perfectly how moving from being a child to being a ✨teenager✨ is about.
It's everything. The clumsy, the TYPOS, the friendship.
Big giant LOVE I finished it in one sitting 💖💖💖
Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Her Radiant Curse is a story about sister love. They're so different in literally everything but none love them as fierce as they do each other.
Infused with witchcraft, curse, magical forest, TIGER AND SNAKES, Her Radiant Curse is highly suitable for anyone liking light fantasy tale. It didn't have that high stakes conflicts or super complicated plot to follow. It's entertaining enough. With sprinkles of romance, this book is an enjoyable standalone.
My 16yo self would definitely love this book.
My two cents:
- I don't particularly loving this book bcs it just didn't standout. However, I didn't have anything particular to hate either. It falls into an okayish story for me. I didn't cheer for the characters, but I don't hate them, too. (I actually prefer when they're able to give me strong emotion to go through the story.)
- A slight problem I encountered is.... How everything made to be a comfortable coincides for Channari to ease her adventure. Everything's just being toned down. It might not be a problem for other readers, but it's just not my favourite.
FAQ:
- IS IT FANTASY BEGINNER FRIENDLY? YES
- IS IT BEGINNER FRIENDLY? I THINK SO!!!
- DO I NEED TO READ THE OTHER BOOKS BEFORE READING THIS ONE? NO NEED!!!! It's a nice standalone fantasy. Actually, this book is a start to Elizabeth Lim universe. Give it a go ✨
Infused with witchcraft, curse, magical forest, TIGER AND SNAKES, Her Radiant Curse is highly suitable for anyone liking light fantasy tale. It didn't have that high stakes conflicts or super complicated plot to follow. It's entertaining enough. With sprinkles of romance, this book is an enjoyable standalone.
My 16yo self would definitely love this book.
My two cents:
- I don't particularly loving this book bcs it just didn't standout. However, I didn't have anything particular to hate either. It falls into an okayish story for me. I didn't cheer for the characters, but I don't hate them, too. (I actually prefer when they're able to give me strong emotion to go through the story.)
- A slight problem I encountered is.... How everything made to be a comfortable coincides for Channari to ease her adventure. Everything's just being toned down. It might not be a problem for other readers, but it's just not my favourite.
FAQ:
- IS IT FANTASY BEGINNER FRIENDLY? YES
- IS IT BEGINNER FRIENDLY? I THINK SO!!!
- DO I NEED TO READ THE OTHER BOOKS BEFORE READING THIS ONE? NO NEED!!!! It's a nice standalone fantasy. Actually, this book is a start to Elizabeth Lim universe. Give it a go ✨
The Bronzed Beasts by Roshani Chokshi
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I LOVE THIS WITH ALL OF MY HEART
Delicates by Brenna Thummler
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
IT'S SO GOOODDDDD
MUCH BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS BOOK!!!!
It captured perfectly the life of a teenager trying to navigate their life. It felt natural and relatable. It also revolved around racism, bullying, and why being an enabler is a no NO. It showed how helpful and precious family and friendship is.
I love this one.
And THE ART OMGGGG🥺💗💗💗
That color, that style, perfect!!!!!
MUCH BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS BOOK!!!!
It captured perfectly the life of a teenager trying to navigate their life. It felt natural and relatable. It also revolved around racism, bullying, and why being an enabler is a no NO. It showed how helpful and precious family and friendship is.
I love this one.
And THE ART OMGGGG🥺💗💗💗
That color, that style, perfect!!!!!
Writing in Color: Fourteen Writers on the Lessons We've Learned by Melody Simpson, Nafiza Azad
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
5.0
OH WOW
This anthology consists of stories for aspiring bipoc authors, how to find ideas, stick with your idea, characterization, etc. HOWEVER, as the publishing is white-centred company, these essays also revolved around systemic racism, colorism, selected diversification and unfairness. Thus, making it very very valuable.
As a person of color myself, if not an aspiring writer, I feel seen and understood. This is what I've been dealing with my life the whole time and things I shouldn't be comfortable with. Things about being global south countries🫶🏽
Some of these essays are totally wholesome 😭🥺
It told about affirmation as well as struggles. But it reminded us all the same that we're not doing it alone💗
I love it. Highly highly recommended 👌
This anthology consists of stories for aspiring bipoc authors, how to find ideas, stick with your idea, characterization, etc. HOWEVER, as the publishing is white-centred company, these essays also revolved around systemic racism, colorism, selected diversification and unfairness. Thus, making it very very valuable.
As a person of color myself, if not an aspiring writer, I feel seen and understood. This is what I've been dealing with my life the whole time and things I shouldn't be comfortable with. Things about being global south countries🫶🏽
Some of these essays are totally wholesome 😭🥺
It told about affirmation as well as struggles. But it reminded us all the same that we're not doing it alone💗
I love it. Highly highly recommended 👌
The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Fiuuuuuhhhhh it was one hell of a book. I have mixed feelings about it. It started with a very great premise and I love the beginning. Halfway through I found it hard to finish the story. It's not like I didn't like them, I just sort of felt flat towards the characters. It doesn't ignite the sparks it initially did.
Let's start with what I love:
- The world building
I love it. It's rich, detailed, diverse, and very atmospheric. The author navigated it well. However, my small brain sometimes find it hard to keep up where or who. All fault on me. Hopefully in the final copy there will huge map detailing the places.
It's a science fiction fantasy where the modern technology was blended into the antique world building.
- The characterization
We're given 3 point of view. Leo, the king, Elena, the Heir, and Yassen, the assassin.
I love seeing how their thoughts woven into the plot. It gave them the depth and well explained their behaviour and decision. None of the characters are insufferable. All of them are strong in their stance. Are capable of fight 👌
- Enemies to lovers are acceptable. It's a slowburn definitely. But the romance is definitely much little. It's a plus point for me. I felt it yet it's not overpowering the whole story. It's just enough.
- The writing style is beautiful 🫶🏽😭 I love when the authors create their own phrases and it becomes iconic 👌♥️ I can see the research and mastery it put through to create such a world.
What I have mixed feelings for:
- The palace and political instrigue
The conflicts were overlapping one another.
The international affair conflicts and war felt too rushed and cramped at the end of the book.
- The twist didn't work for me. Including the epilogue. It didn't make sense?????
- I would love it if the pace is a bit faster.
To conclude, if you're into adult SFF, slowburn enemies to lover, political + religion + international war conflicts, badass FMC, twist and turn with a detailed explanation and lengthy actions to get there, give this book a go.
I would definitely read the sequel!!!
Let's start with what I love:
- The world building
I love it. It's rich, detailed, diverse, and very atmospheric. The author navigated it well. However, my small brain sometimes find it hard to keep up where or who. All fault on me. Hopefully in the final copy there will huge map detailing the places.
It's a science fiction fantasy where the modern technology was blended into the antique world building.
- The characterization
We're given 3 point of view. Leo, the king, Elena, the Heir, and Yassen, the assassin.
I love seeing how their thoughts woven into the plot. It gave them the depth and well explained their behaviour and decision. None of the characters are insufferable. All of them are strong in their stance. Are capable of fight 👌
- Enemies to lovers are acceptable. It's a slowburn definitely. But the romance is definitely much little. It's a plus point for me. I felt it yet it's not overpowering the whole story. It's just enough.
- The writing style is beautiful 🫶🏽😭 I love when the authors create their own phrases and it becomes iconic 👌♥️ I can see the research and mastery it put through to create such a world.
What I have mixed feelings for:
- The palace and political instrigue
The conflicts were overlapping one another.
The international affair conflicts and war felt too rushed and cramped at the end of the book.
- The twist didn't work for me. Including the epilogue. It didn't make sense?????
- I would love it if the pace is a bit faster.
To conclude, if you're into adult SFF, slowburn enemies to lover, political + religion + international war conflicts, badass FMC, twist and turn with a detailed explanation and lengthy actions to get there, give this book a go.
I would definitely read the sequel!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Genocide, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail